Building Lasting Change in Education: Insights from Dr. James Mannion

Dr. James Mannion is a distinguished authority on educational reform. He explains the concept of "backward design," a strategic approach to implementing school improvement by beginning with clear objectives and working backward to identify solutions for current challenges. Dr. Mannion shares insights from his recent publication, "Making Change Stick," where he emphasizes the necessity of engaging educators at all levels in the change process, thereby fostering a collaborative environment that enhances student outcomes. We explore the transformative impact of project-based learning and self-regulated learning on students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrating how innovative educational practices can yield significant improvements. Takeaways: The transformative impact of learner effectiveness on student outcomes cannot be overstated, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Implementing a backward design strategy is crucial in addressing current educational challenges and achieving meaningful change. The involvement of diverse voices in the decision-making process enhances the effectiveness of school improvement initiatives. Recognizing failure as an opportunity for growth is essential in fostering resilience among both educators and students. Cultural shifts within educational institutions require sustained efforts over a period of two to three years to be effective. Engaging students in arts and creativity leads to more profound learning experiences and enhances the overall educational environment. Dr James Mannion is a keynote speaker, teacher trainer, researcher, consultant and author with a passion for educational and political reform. He is the co-founder and Director of Rethinking Education, a teacher training organisation specialising in implementation and improvement science, self-regulated learning and practitioner inquiry. A former teacher of 12 years, James has an MA in person-centred education from the University of Sussex and a PhD in self-regulated learning from the University of Cambridge. He is also the host of the popular Rethinking Education podcast. Websitewww.drjamesmannion.comwww.makingchangestick.coSocial Media InformationRethinkingJames - X, Bsky, Threads, drjamesmannion IGShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/Discover more about Education on Fire🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

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Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future. While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced. Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you. ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’